Traffic police in the country can finally breathe easy. Motorists are learning to behave themselves — at last. It took years and years of awareness campaigns. It took patience on the part of the authorities. And it took an increase in fines – it hit motorists where it hurts: their pockets. Because the horrific accidents and the tragedies did not seem to deter these reckless drivers.
Police have always stressed that speeding and driver distraction are among the reasons for serious accidents. Motorists also do not leave a safe distance between vehicles, which again is a major cause of accidents. Latest statistics by Dubai Police show a 36 per cent decrease in casualties so far this year compared to death rates in the last two years. Ninety people were killed and 1,287 were injured in major traffic accidents this year compared to 139 deaths and 1,347 injuries in the same period in 2016. Dubai Police’s strategic target is zero road deaths by 2020. Fatal truck accidents in the emirate of Abu Dhabi have also dropped by 58 per cent during the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year, with the number falling from 31 to 13. A new road safety study in the UAE has shown improvement in traffic discipline, but stressed misbehaviour is still on the higher side. Dangerous driving, tailgating, distracted driving, swerving, speeding and collisions have reduced.
The new Federal Traffic Law came into effect on July 1 that imposes stiffer laws, fines and penalties. Offences have dropped and fatalities have reduced. The credit goes to police. They were patient and saw what was required to tame errant motorists. The results are showing now. Motorists must cooperate because when laws are flouted, accidents occur. And motorists are the ones who pay a high price. This lesson must be learnt well.
